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4.9 from 30 votes

Healthy Hamburger Helper

Skip the boxed meal and make this homemade healthy hamburger helper instead. It's a one pot meal that's ready in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 534 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef I used 85%/15%, but you could go leaner, if desired
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 heaping Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk or dairy-free milk
  • 8 oz macaroni noodles or small shells
  • 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add oil to a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Once oil is hot, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook 7-8 minutes until your meat is cooked through. Drain fat, if needed.
  3. Add spices, tomato paste, broth and milk. Stir in dry pasta.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook about 8-12 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring often.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Let sit for 1-2 more minutes until cheese has melted and then toss to combine.
  6. Serve immediately with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Place them in an airtight container—keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
  • Substitutions: Lighten it up with ground turkey or chicken, or go meatless with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat.”

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/6 recipe Calories 534kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 98mg (33%) Sodium 770mg (32%) Potassium 300mg (9%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 534

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/6 recipe
Calories 534kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 770mg 32%
Potassium 300mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.